The Best Tips For ‘Slow Runners’ to Help Performance

By Lauren KeatingSep 09, 2019

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The Best Tips For ‘Slow Runners’ to Help Performancewww.runnerclick.com

Are you that runner is always get passed by others on the trail or park pavement? Maybe others have called you a jogger or can’t believe that you actually finished a half marathon. Don’t be discouraged because even “slow runners” are real runners.

But there are some tips targeted for slower runners that can help increase their pace, build stamina, and fix the many issues they face.

Who Are Slow Runners?

For starters, the term slow is relative to how a person defines various paces.

A slow runner might be 10-minute mile runner to some, but to a 12-minute mile runner, this is fast.

We also aren’t using slow as a negative word here. All runners at all paces are runners in our eyes. Running slowly is better than not running (or worse—sitting in front of the TV with fast food instead) at all.

Many runners find themselves in the “slow” category at least once. This might be when they are first starting out, coming back from an injury, or a baby. And the list goes on.

We all are passed by a faster runner at a race—unless we are the winner of the event.

For the purpose of this post, we are merely providing the tips and tricks for those “slow runners” who are looking to increase their performance.

Here are the best tips for runners who think they are slow.

Photo by Angelos Michalopoulos on Unsplash

Everyone Wants To Be Faster, So Train Smarter

No matter who fast or slow the pace is, most runners want to be faster.

Some believe a 7 or 8-minute mile runner is to be considered fast runners. This just sounds elitist.

Yes, these are really fast times. But that doesn’t mean a 9, 10 and so on minute mile isn’t fast too.

Run With Friends, Or Don’t

Running with a partner does wonder for motivation. It also is ideal for when pushing the pace if that runner is slightly faster.

Try to keep up with that faster buddy or at least aim to be at their heels. Having them set the pace means extra focus and drive on your part.

But not all runner find this works. They might feel discouraged from their running partner taking off, leaving them in the dust.

Others simply just prefer to run alone. If running with others is too stressful, just stick to being solo.

Start Slow, Finish Fast

One of the hardest things to do is to start off slow and finish strong—especially in a race.

We often when it gun it from the jump, only to find we ran out of steam.

Always think slow and steady wins the race. Have this mentality for all your runs.

Start off slow, really putting the brakes on speed. Think of it as an extended warm-up. Get Ito a steady pace that feels comfortable.

Then go for it. Spend the last five to 10 minutes of a run speeding up. Aim to finish fast at a level of about seven on a scale of one to ten, the latter being the hardest.

This teaches the muscles how to run efficiently while helping to increase the overall pace over time.

Photo by Alora Griffiths on Unsplash

Take Slower Breaths

The fast you run the more you might feel inclined to quicken your breathing. Don’t do this.

Instead, take long slow breaths.

The idea here is that short and fast breathes doesn’t allow for the carbon dioxide to be exhaled and leave the lungs. Essentially, this means there is more COs than oxygen—the opposite of what we want.